VOICE OF REASON REACHES ALBANY ON NEUROLOGICALLY IMPAIRED INFANT DEBATE

Thanks to Assemblyman Rory Lancman, of Queens, the folks behind Gov. Cuomo’s Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) have been presented with an alternative to their plan to establish a Neurologically Impaired Infant Fund (NIIF) to address compensation for infants hurt or killed during the delivery process.  According to Capital Tonight, Mr. Lancman’s plan is pretty simple.  Institute patient safety programs in OB/GYN departments in hospitals throughout New York State.  Why not do so, when such a plan at New York Weill Cornell Medical Center brought unprecedented declines in morbidity/mortality, AND costs ?

Well, one reason that has surfaced is that the Chief of the very hospital that achieved such remarkable results is now backpedaling about his achievement, as Capitol Confidential reveals. CEO Herbert Pardes trashes his own study, writing that it was conducted “over a limited period  at a single institution.”  Hmmm. Not NY Weill Cornell Medical Center, was it?

Much more work needs to be done, says Pardes, and Lancman’s proposal “would in no way be a substitute for enacting the serious program of malpractice reform proposed by the Governor.”  Tellingly, Pardes has nothing concrete to substantiate his sudden preference for the MRT agenda.  But don’t take my word for it. Read his letter yourself in the Capitol Confidential post.

I’m certain that Dr. Pardes’ stance was not influenced by The Greater New York Hospital Association or The Medical Society of the State of New York. Aren’t you?